Genesis B.

As an aspiring attorney, the initial is quite obvious, whereas my creative, philosophical interest is kindled by the other. Before Emory, I had only experienced American history, and still, today, I have yet to explore broader national histories outside of a podcast, breaking news article, documentary, etc. DIS’s Fleeing Across Borders course would allow me to explore beyond the Founding Fathers in a classroom setting, which customarily nurtures a comprehensive dive into political and historical subjects. In particular, I am intrigued by the experiences of immigrants and how they and the modern phenomenon of globalization have affected nations outside of the United States. Some of the questions I would ask include how the law defines a person, what laws are worth being broken, and what the costs are of increasing refugee needs and the lack of stability in abandoned states. Interacting with these questions would highlight the condition of our current global mindset, as well as how multiple conflicts like hunger and poverty overlap to maintain/effect immigration. This exposure nurtures methodological thinking and critical listening, which are both essential in developing the mind of an attorney and the wider intellectual bandwidth of a global citizen. While I believe my legal sense is inevitable to flourish in the first course, analytical creativity would also be allowed to shine while learning about prostitution and sex. I would question how the rise of feminism and hypersexualized culture has contributed to the epidemic of loneliness in the U.S., while also inspecting how such progressiveness and related policies contribute to the satisfaction of Danish residents. The readings of the course not only challenge one’s thinking with a diverse set of perspectives, but also offer the chance to expand where and how to apply art in academically sensitive spaces. Although I have never been much of a visual artist, writing poetry has always been an outlet of mine, which I could apply to the inventive assignments and final project. An artistic approach to measuring learning welcomes more personality and authenticity in the classroom. It also helps to build bonds with learning peers. Each of these beneficial effects would support my personal goal of embracing empathy as a public legal servant and resemble Denmark’s personable identity.

1. Expand my definition of empathy via practice
2. Strengthen my foundation of confidence and independence
3. Build relationships that last beyond the Fall 2026 calendar timeline and into a full, lifelong one